Indirect Category Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Indirect Category Manager to join a highly respected organisation based in Manchester City Centre. This role offers you the chance to take ownership of all indirect procurement activities, with a particular focus on Marketing, HR Services, IT, Consulting, and Operating Supplies categories.

Indirect Category Manager Location: Manchester City Centre

You will be at the heart of driving cost efficiencies and ensuring exceptional supplier performance while delivering outstanding service to internal stakeholders. The organisation is renowned for its commitment to employee growth, offering genuine career advancement opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package. If you are looking for a position where your expertise will be valued and your professional development supported, this is the perfect next step in your career.

• Enjoy a competitive salary of £40,000 - £50,000 D.O.E. alongside a generous benefits package including private health insurance, 6% employer pension contributions, and 33 days' holiday (including Bank Holidays) with the option to purchase more.
• Benefit from flexible working options such as hybrid working patterns between home and office, compressed hours, and support for personal flexibility needs discussed at interview.
• Join an inclusive and supportive environment that values diversity, offers employee resource groups focused on key topics like mental health and sustainability, and provides real opportunities for international mobility and career progression.

What you'll do:

As an Indirect Category Manager based in Manchester City Centre, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's approach to indirect procurement. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating with both internal teams and external suppliers to ensure that procurement activities deliver maximum value. You will be responsible for designing effective sourcing strategies tailored to specific categories such as Marketing, HR Services, IT, Consulting, and Operating Supplies. By leveraging your analytical skills and attention to detail, you will track spending patterns, identify areas for cost optimisation, and provide insightful reports that inform decision-making at all levels. Your ability to build strong relationships will enable you to act as a trusted advisor within the business while also ensuring that supplier partnerships remain robust and productive. In addition to managing ongoing procurement operations, you will have the opportunity to contribute to regional or global projects-expanding your impact beyond local markets. Embracing digital tools will be key as you help drive process improvements that make procurement more efficient. Ultimately, your success in this role will come from your commitment to continuous improvement, collaborative spirit, and passion for delivering results that benefit both the organisation and its people.

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies across multiple indirect categories including Marketing, HR Services, IT, Consulting, and Operating Supplies to deliver value through cost savings and risk mitigation.
• Manage end-to-end procurement processes such as running RFPs, selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with organisational standards.
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers to maintain high levels of performance while continuously seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Track spend data meticulously to identify cost optimisation opportunities and report findings to management and relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor procurement KPIs regularly to drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across departments to ensure procurement strategies align with business objectives and operational requirements.
• Support regional and global procurement initiatives by effectively implementing projects in local markets and sharing best practices across teams.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders by providing guidance on strategic sourcing decisions and optimising spend across various categories.
• Champion digital transformation within procurement by developing and implementing digital sourcing models that streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Work hand-in-hand with the Procurement Operations team to ensure seamless execution of sourcing strategies while maintaining alignment with broader organisational goals.

What you bring:

To excel as an Indirect Category Manager in this forward-thinking organisation, you will bring proven experience in managing complex procurement activities across multiple indirect categories. Your background should include hands-on involvement in running end-to-end sourcing processes-from initial market analysis through supplier selection and contract negotiation-ensuring every stage delivers measurable value. You are adept at building positive relationships not only with suppliers but also internally; your ability to communicate clearly means stakeholders trust your advice when making strategic decisions about spend optimisation. Your technical proficiency extends beyond basic software use; you are comfortable navigating sophisticated procurement platforms like SAP or Coupa while also leveraging Excel for detailed analysis. Attention to detail is second nature-you spot trends others might miss-and your problem-solving mindset ensures challenges are addressed proactively. Above all else, your collaborative approach helps create an environment where everyone feels supported in achieving shared goals. Whether working independently or as part of a wider team on regional projects or digital transformation initiatives, your commitment shines through in everything you do.

• A bachelor's degree in any field is required as a foundation for understanding complex business environments.
• Previous experience in procurement is essential-ideally with exposure to indirect categories such as Marketing, HR Services or IT services.
• Demonstrated ability in negotiation techniques along with contract management skills that ensure favourable outcomes for all parties involved.
• Proven track record of managing supplier performance through relationship-building and clear communication channels.
• Experience developing category strategies that create tangible value for organisations through cost savings or process improvements.
• Proficiency in using procurement tools such as SAP or Coupa alongside advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Exceptional attention to detail combined with problem-solving abilities that allow you to analyse data accurately and make informed recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills enabling you to explain complex topics clearly across diverse audiences within the business.
• Strong interpersonal skills that foster effective collaboration within teams as well as cross-functional stakeholder groups.
• A desire for an international career path with openness towards future mobility opportunities within the organisation.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out due to its unwavering commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth. With over 80% of leadership roles filled internally each year, there is a clear pathway for those who wish to advance their careers within the company. Employees enjoy access to private health insurance, generous pension contributions at 6%, paid leave for charitable work, lifestyle discounts via a dedicated rewards platform-and much more. Flexible working arrangements are not just encouraged but actively supported: whether it's hybrid working between home and office or compressed hours tailored around personal commitments. The workplace culture is genuinely inclusive; employee resource groups address important topics like gender equality, mental health awareness, race inclusion, disability support, LGBTQ+ advocacy and sustainability-ensuring everyone feels they belong. High performers are recognised through unique experiences such as trips abroad or visits to global headquarters. Located centrally in Manchester's vibrant Circle Square district-with excellent transport links-the office provides an inspiring base from which employees can thrive both professionally and personally.

What's next:

If you are ready to take the next step in your career journey within a supportive environment where your expertise truly matters-this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided; simply upload your CV and answer a few short questions-the process takes less than two minutes

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates

About the job

Contract Type: Permanent

Specialism: Procurement & Supply Chain

Focus: Purchasing / Procurement

Industry: Purchasing and Procurement

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Mid Management

Location: Manchester

Contract Type: Permanent

Specialism: Procurement & Supply Chain

Focus: Purchasing / Procurement

Industry: Purchasing and Procurement

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum + pension/healthcare/holidays

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Mid Management

Location: Manchester

FULL_TIME Job Reference: J5V9XH-767BCBBC

Date posted: 5 September 2025

Consultant: Seren Milner
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